This year hasn’t been particularly easy, and we are grateful for the amazing care you provide children, young people and their families.
Over the Christmas break, we hope that you all find time to relax, spend time with your family, and re-energise for the year ahead. Always remember that self-care is never selfish. If your cup is empty, you cannot give your all to the children in your care. Take time for yourself, refill your cup. It is the most important thing you can do for yourself and your family.
Again, a big thank you to each and every one of you. Your commitment is
unwavering, your love, unconditional. Merry Christmas from everyone at Allambi Care.
Foster Kinship Care Week Picnic: The picnic for the Hunter has been scheduled for January 21st , 2022, 10am to 2pm and will be held at the University of Newcastle’s Park on the Hill. There are lots of fun activities organised for Carers and children including a Jumping castle, giant games, Carers quiet area where they can enjoy a cuppa and an area for kids to make pot plants or colour in beside it. A BBQ lunch will be provided.
The Hunter Heroes will be there as will 2NURFM. There will be show bags, free drink bottles and water stations to fill them, a Photo booth, cupcake decorating stall, archery & laser tag & face painting plus lots more! Put the date into your calendar and come along.
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Our first training day has been scheduled for Tuesday March 8th - 10am to 1pm. At this stage, we have a Wellbeing session for Carers pencilled in. Other dates for the year are:
Can’t make the ongoing training? You can access our Online training at here.
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Meet Nicole Woolaston: Family Time Coordinator - Fostering & Permanency
Favourite Food: Tacos!!
To relax I: Love to read crime novels
Currently listening to: RAWFM and Stuff You Should Know Podcast
Best thing about my job: Being part of a team that all have a passion for the wellbeing of children and young people. Scheduling Family Time visits to ensure that children can maintain a relationship with family members and have a sense of belonging.
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Key dates and events
DEC 14th – 10am - Webinar: Understanding ADHD
What is it? How is it caused? The effects of ADHD on a child. How to care for a child with ADHD.
NOV 21st – 10am - Webinar: Teenagers - Preparing to leave your care
Join us as we explore the challenges of future planning and help equip our young people to get ready for the future.
For more information, please contact: http://www.myforeverfamily.org.au/events
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Congratulations to the following Carers for TEN years of caring
Congratulations to the following Carers for ONE year of caring
Christmas Rocky Road
Rocky Road is delicious and can be wrapped and given as gifts as well.
Why not try your hand at making it? You could even sprinkle crushed
candy canes on top for extra sparkle.
Ingredients
200g dark chocolate, chopped
100g milk chocolate, chopped
20g Copha or butter, chopped
280g pink & white marshmallows chopped in half
150g shortbread fingers, coarsely chopped
½ cup (70g) toasted, slivered almonds
4 x 52g Cherry Ripe bars, coarsely chopped
Green & red M&M’s and M&M Minis to decorate
Method
STEP 1: Grease the base and sides of a 20cm x 30cm lamington pan. Line with baking paper, allowing the sides to overhang.
STEP 2: Place combined chocolate and Copha or butter in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water). Use a metal spoon to stir until the mixture melts and is smooth.
STEP 3: Combine marshmallow, shortbread, gingerbread, almond and Cherry Ripe in a large bowl. Add chocolate mixture. Gently fold until just combined. Spoon into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with M&M’s and M&M Minis (and crushed candy canes if you want to). Set aside for 60 mins to set. Cut into pieces to serve.
STEP 4: Store in an airtight container and refrigerate if it’s a hot day and the chocolate starts to melt.
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School Holiday Activities
Feel like eating out with the kids? There are many places where kids can eat free or for a low cost if you live near Cooks Hill, Charlestown, Argenton, Edgeworth, Speers Point, Greenhills, Warners Bay, Hamilton, Maitland, Mt Hutton, Stockton, Toronto, West Wallsend, Cessnock, Marks Point, Carrington, New Lambton, Bellbird, Kahibah or Lambton.
Follow the link below for Newy with Kids detailed information on venues.
https://newywithkids.com.au/kids-eat-free-cheap-newcastle-lake-macquarie-hunter/
Have you redeemed your NSW Creative Kids Voucher for FREE Art & Craft Kits delivered to your home? Voucher expires December 31, 2021.
Do you love Christmas Lights? Who doesn’t? They really are a sign that the Festive season is upon us. There is an official Christmas Lights trail map website for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley with 143 houses listed. Follow the link below if you would like to go for a drive with the kids and want to see what’s in your area.
https://newywithkids.com.au/best-christmas-lights-newcastle-lake-macquarie-hunter-displays/